The Last Frontier, the Great Land, North to the Future, Land of the Midnight Sun - The nicknames vary, but what remains unchanged is Alaska's status as a premier, rugged, and fascinating travel destination. The largest, least densely populated, northernmost and westernmost U.S. state Alaska is practically its own country.
With thousands of miles of scenic coastline, experiencing the 49th state on an Alaskan cruise is a. The massive glaciers, misty fjords, tranquil waterways, immense mountains, thriving rainforests, and rugged tundra landscapes are home to scores of wildlife… all viewable from the comfort of your cruise ship or via exciting onshore excursions.
Due to its massive size and diverse landscapes, Alaska can be broken down into several regions. The Inside Passage, also known as the Panhandle, stretches across the southeastern end of state and is the most accessible destination within Alaska. Its majestic forests, wealth of fjords and islands, and abundant wildlife add to the appeal of this region. Southern and Southwestern Alaska includes the city of Anchorage and the volcanic Aleutian Islands. Farther north, Arctic Alaska is home to impressive tundra landscapes, the aurora borealis, and the midnight sun.
As the largest continent on Earth, Asia offers virtually any travel experience imaginable: from Arctic landscapes to tropical beaches, sophisticated cities to ancient ruins, bustling markets to peaceful shrines, towering mountain ranges to gravity-defying skyscrapers, and rugged deserts to lush jungles. Despite being home to 60% of the world's population, this vast portion of the Old World is still considered a treasure trove of exotic destinations ranging from tried-and-true destinations such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Bali to up-and-coming tourist hotspots such as Vietnam or Cambodia.
Given its sheer size, breaking up Asia's travel regions that can be explored on a cruise vacation or packaged tour helps tackle the otherwise daunting undertaking of discovering its diverse charms. The East Asian nations of China, Japan, and Korea each offer varying experiences, cultures, and landscapes within their borders. Southeast Asia adds tropical flair with steamy jungles and picture-perfect beaches. The Middle East blends tradition and modernity. And for a true remote and isolated experience, the Arctic landscapes of the Russian coast are snowy wonderlands where wildlife and nature exercise complete control.
Given their (relative) proximity, common British colonial history and, as of today, similar flags, it would seem that the Oceanian nations of Australia and New Zealand are destined to share an inevitable bond. Yet each country displays a unique character and personality. While Australia can be described as its own world, justified by the sheer size of the country, New Zealand possesses a distinct Polynesian heritage - proudly carried by the Maori culture - that binds it to its smaller, island-nation neighbors throughout the South Pacific.
Australia/New Zealand vacation itineraries come in many shapes and sizes, including round trips from Melbourne or Sydney to New Zealand, one-way cruises from Auckland to Australia, or circuits within either nation. As the two most important countries in Oceania, they are also the perfect starting points to discover the diverse destinations of the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Polynesia. And with a name like Oceania, it stands to reason that this continent is meant to be discovered on a cruise ship.
Somewhat unjustly, the Caribbean is often thought of as a homogeneous destination with nothing but endless beaches and constant sunshine. That’s not a bad reputation to have, and one that is certainly rooted in truth. But there is much more to this naturally blessed region than simply a haven for rest and relaxation. Culturally diverse islands, lush tropical landscapes, and unparalleled dive sites set the stage for a wide range of activities. And coupled with manmade attractions that range from millenary ruins and colonial relics to ultra-modern resorts and state-of-the-art golf courses, the result is a destination that is anything but homogeneous.
The Caribbean also covers a sizable span of islands and nations, providing visitors with a diverse array of travel options and experiences. Just off the coast of Florida, the more than 700 islands of the Bahamas offer an easily accessible introduction to the region, while the nearby Eastern Caribbean sits at the heartland of this tropical paradise and is the preferred route for many a Caribbean cruise. With destinations in Mexico and Belize, the Western Caribbean features the allure of ancient civilizations, while the Southern Caribbean boasts a road less traveled for visitors seeking a secluded and unconventional escape. Whether your definition of paradise involves lounging on the white sands of a postcard-perfect beach, bargain hunting for duty-free deals in colorful ports, teeing off at a pro-level green, or exploring lush rainforests, the seemingly endless attractions of the Caribbean are always sure to tick the right boxes.
When the Spanish conquistadores first saw the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, they were awestruck by its beauty and splendor. Built on an island in the middle of a lake and crisscrossed with an advanced network of canals, it was the Venice of the ancient world. Hernan Cortes, the man who would conquer Mexico for Spain, remarked that the city's spectacular Templo Mayor, or main temple, was one "whose immense size and magnificence no human tongue could describe." To this day, visitors to Mexico are just as impressed when they visit this country's treasures.
Mexico has come a long a very long way since the Old World barreled into the New and changed the course of history. From Aztec and Mayan empires to democratic republic, the country has had a tumultuous and fascinating evolution. And it has become one of the most unique and colorful destinations in the world. Easily accessible from the U.S. with direct flights daily, Mexico offers coastal paradises with world-famous beaches; ancient ruins of awesome beauty and grandeur; a vibrant culture that's the birthplace of the mariachi, tequila, and one of the richest and most celebrated cuisines in the world.
With good reason, a cruise to Mexico is one of the most popular cruising options on the planet. Between the Mexican Riviera on the west coast and the Mayan Riviera on the east, there are myriad cruise ships calling at ports of call to paradise, like Cabo St. Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. On land, you can explore the vibrant, exciting capital of Mexico City, wander the colorful cities and cultural heartlands of Guadalajara and Oaxaca, and channel your inner archaeologist at thousands of incredible ruins from ancient civilizations... And that's just the tip of the Mexican iceberg.
For adventurers craving a true slice of Americana, there is hardly anything quite as authentic as the U.S. Waterways. Cruise the Mississippi, which Mark Twain most famously dubbed "as reposeful as a dreamland... nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon." Feast your eyes on natural wonders and historic landmarks as you cruise past. Or take in the sites of riverside mansions, some more wild than the wildlife! Navigate through the rivers to land amongst the Great Lakes, or get a taste of southern hospitality while sailing down their winding rivers.
Stretching along the western edge of the Americas, the Pacific Seaboard is a dynamic region where towering mountain ranges meet the vast Pacific Ocean. From the rugged coastlines of Alaska to the sun-drenched beaches of Central America, this diverse corridor offers a mix of vibrant cities, ancient rainforests, and thriving marine ecosystems. The iconic Panama Canal, a masterpiece of engineering, serves as a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific, allowing ships to traverse continents while passengers witness a marvel of human achievement.
Beyond its strategic waterways, the Pacific Seaboard is a paradise for explorers. Coastal cruises reveal hidden bays, colonial ports, and indigenous cultures, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot humpback whales, sea turtles, and tropical birds. Whether navigating the temperate fjords of British Columbia or the tropical waters of Costa Rica, the Pacific Seaboard delivers a seamless blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
Nature intended for Panama to be the land bridge between the Americas, but human ingenuity found a way to also turn this isthmus into the primary link between the world's two largest oceans. Built in 1914, the Panama Canal represented a new era in transportation, shipment of goods, and ultimately travel, as ships no longer had to brave the remote and tricky Strait of Magellan. More than providing ease of access for the numerous destinations between the Caribbean and the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, traversing the canal is an experience unto itself.
The Polar Regions represent Earth’s last great wildernesses, where ice-covered landscapes and extreme conditions create an otherworldly allure. The Arctic, with its sprawling tundras and indigenous Inuit cultures, offers encounters with polar bears, walruses, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Expedition cruises through Greenland, Svalbard, or Canada’s Northwest Passage provide front-row seats to glaciers calving into frigid seas, while dog sledding and ice camping immerse travelers in the Arctic’s raw grandeur.
In contrast, the Antarctic remains the most untouched continent, a realm of towering icebergs, vast penguin colonies, and scientific wonder. Cruises to the White Continent navigate through the Drake Passage, where travelers witness breaching whales and albatrosses soaring over icy waters. Landing on the Antarctic Peninsula reveals a stark yet breathtaking world, where silence is broken only by cracking ice and the calls of seabirds. Both polar regions promise transformative journeys into the planet’s most pristine environments.
River Cruises offer a slower, more intimate way to explore the world’s most storied waterways, weaving through landscapes that road and ocean travel cannot reach. In Europe, the Danube and Rhine reveal medieval castles and vineyard-clad hills, while Asia’s Mekong and Irrawaddy expose vibrant floating markets and ancient temples. The Amazon, the lifeblood of South America, immerses travelers in dense rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, from pink river dolphins to colorful macaws.
Luxury river vessels combine comfort with exploration, docking in historic towns and remote villages where cultures have thrived for centuries. In North America, the Mississippi River evokes the jazz-filled spirit of New Orleans, while Alaska’s Inside Passage offers glacier-fed fjords and frontier towns. Whether sailing past French châteaux or Cambodian pagodas, river cruises provide a unique lens into the heart of a destination, blending relaxation with cultural discovery.
Tucked away between the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, if you're looking to explore the wild side of the Americas, then South America is for you. Only South America can boast some of the biggest and the best: The world's biggest rainforest and the largest river (Amazon), the highest mountain range outside Asia (the Andes), and both the world's tallest (the 979m Angel Falls, in Venezuela) and one of the largest (Iguaçu Falls, Argentina and Brazil) waterfalls.
Along with the natural wonders of South America, tourists flock to see the ruins of ancient civilizations like Machu Picchu and the oldest rock paintings of America. Colorful, vibrant, and breathtaking, South America is an adventure waiting to be taken.
Trans-Ocean voyages are the ultimate maritime adventures, connecting continents and cultures across vast expanses of open water. The Panama Canal, a 48-mile engineering triumph, allows ships to glide between the Atlantic and Pacific, passing through tropical rainforests and man-made locks. Similarly, the Suez Canal links the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, offering a historic shortcut between Europe and Asia. These routes are not just passages but journeys through time, where modern navigation meets centuries of seafaring tradition.
For those seeking epic crossings, transatlantic voyages trace the paths of explorers and immigrants, sailing from Europe to the Americas with days of nothing but ocean horizons. Meanwhile, transpacific routes unveil remote island chains like French Polynesia and Hawaii, where volcanic peaks rise from turquoise waters. Whether aboard a luxury liner or an expedition ship, trans-ocean travel embodies the romance of the sea, where every mile brings a deeper connection to the planet’s boundless waters.